Royston German Tutors and Royston German Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and successful assistant examiner for a major exam board for A Level French and have marked German and French GCSE in the past. I am an experienced, enthusiastic and friendly tutor, with a high success rate with GCSE and A level students of French and German. I love what I do, particularly helping to build student confidence and helping them achieve their best, in a fun and supportive way.

More recently I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language to Russian, German and French students. I love teaching my native language and helping students to gain confidence in it.

PGCE - University of Newcastle Upon Tyne 1998 (Secondary Teaching Qualification)
I am a fully qualified teacher of Languages and English as a foreign language, with 18 years' experience of teaching all levels.

My work as an assistant examiner for a major exam board, has given me an excellent insight into what is required by the exam in order to gain a good pass.
I love languages, teaching, music and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and supported students at all levels and for different purpose: GCSE, A Level, Holiday French and German, Primary French and German.

I have been an assistant examiner for a major exam board for A level French speaking, listening, reading and writing for the past 8 years, so can help to support students for exams and help them to become very familiar with the techniques and knowledge required to gain a good pass.

I have a 100% success rate with students. Last year, all 3 GCSE students gained A* and A (French and German) and my 3 A Level students gained A (French), and 2 C's (from a grade E/U in German).

I have taught online for Learndirect/myself, am computer literate, and have had success with students learning long distance via Skype.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching and I am able to guarantee success at all levels. I have lots of success with all levels, and have been successful due to a variety of techniques, knowledge of exam papers/common difficulties when learning a language and teaching experience.
I am able to get the best out of students, by identifying their learning needs and styles.

Adult learners: I have a very successful and unique approach, which allows adults to understand how a language is constructed and which allows them to grasp the basics of a language and then 'play' with the language by adding new vocabulary and phrases. You will feel confident wiih the pronunciation of the language from the beginning, which is essential to make progress quickly and effectively.

What my previous students have said:

E - July 2012 - Intermediate Adult: I needed a quick few lessons to help me pass a resit at University, I realised this was a pressure on Sarah to help me pass but I had learnt more with Sarah in a total of 6 hours than I had in a whole year. I would highly recommend Sarah to anybody, Thank you Sarah for your help, you helped me pass with flying colours! E.

R - May 2012 - GCSE last minute help online - My daughter says " Sarah is really friendly and helpful and she gave me lots of techniques I can use to revise". Sarah has been brilliant at giving a late boost just before the exams, which was exactly what we wanted. We found her incredibly helpful and responsive and are sure she has been a major part of boosting my daughter's confidence - her grades as reported by school have gone up two levels in the last two months and Sarah has been a definite part of this

S - July 2011-May 2012 - Adult Casual - After having lessons for a few months now I can say that Sarah is a very effective teacher and has the ability to explain things in a simple and easy to understand way. I feel I have made significant progress in my learning and would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to anybody wishing to learn french.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced, professional, private tutor, offering tuition in French, German and English (EFL/ESOL). I am experienced at teaching both adults and children online, using Zoom, Skype or other software and use a variety of materials and resources to keep lessons interesting. Classes are available during both daytime and evening during the week, and also on Saturday mornings.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have references available from former students as well as an enhanced DBS disclosure. My clients range in age from 8 years to retirement and beyond. I cater for all standards from Beginners to Advanced (A1 to C1 on the Common European Framework).

I have extensive experience of tutoring for GCSE, IGCSE and A Level examinations for several different exam boards. In addition, several of my adult students have taken German exams with the Goethe Institut.

As a former volunteer leader within the Guide Association (now GirlGuiding UK) and now as a volunteer with the Scout Association, I
have considerable experience of teaching a variety of skills to young people aged 10-25. I have led a considerable amount of adult training, both as a language tutor and in my previous roles in the IT industry.

Tutoring Approach:
After initial assessments to see what support is needed, classes are tailored to a student's particular needs and interests. There is, of course, a vast difference between a school student who requires additional support in preparation for an exam and an adult student who is pursuing a modern foreign language out of personal interest or for business reasons. We would look at verbal and listening practice as well as written exercises.

I have a particular interest in grammar and feel that it is very difficult to have a good grasp of a language without some grammar competency. This is especially important for A Level examinations. However, grammar does not have to be taught in a boring way and I often use games and fun exercises as well as more formal methods. Primary pupils learn mostly through games, puzzles and songs.

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Personal Description:
Born in London, I was educated in the UK and Hong Kong. I currently reside in Oxfordshire with my husband, where we both enjoy the outdoors in the Cotswolds.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years' experience in primary and secondary schools and home education in the UK, Hong Kong and Germany.

I teach in a school in Burford, Oxfordshire, and also provide home tuition to primary and secondary pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
To encourage your child to gain confidence and enjoy learning, I draw on my personal warmth and humour in lessons. I aim to help your child gain good exam results through:

lively engagement with your child's creative intelligence
continuous assessment and feedback of your child's progress
learning using a wide variety of resources

I believe learning comes alive through building on the child's immediate experiences and their curiosity for the world around them.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced language teacher and native speaker of Arabic and German and teach at school as well as giving private lessons. Teaching at all levels and using a large variety of materials, tailored to students' ages and needs, the emphasis is on enjoying the process of learning the language at the students own pace as well as working towards specific goals where appropriate.

Teaching Experience:
I teach German in school to children aged 6-10 and have given private lessons at all levels and to all ages, children, adolescents and adults, in both German and Arabic, for many years. My background is in interpreting and translation and I moved on to teaching from there. One of my long term Arabic students is now studying Arabic at university level, many of my other students have successfully completed GCSEs and A levels in both languages and/or gone on to use both languages for work or leisure purposes.

Tutoring Approach:
The emphasis is on the enjoyment of the learning process, I adapt the materials used to the individual needs of my students and everything is tailored to those needs. For children the emphasis is on learning through games, play and song, for adolescents and adults games and play may still form a part of the process. Cultural instruction and understanding goes hand in hand with the learning of the language, especially with Arabic as the culture and script are so different and present special challenges. I love my work and I try to convey a love of language to my students too.

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Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker offering one to one tuition or tuition to small groups for German and English language. I have been living in UK for the past 25 years specialising in communication, event management, marketing and tourism. For the past 11 years I have been delivering tailored one to one lessons for MFL German.

I hold the 'Safeguarding in Education' certificate and have an enhanced DBS check.

Teaching Experience:
Experience of one to one adult tuition online and face to face, experience of tuition to children (single and in groups of up to 10)

I have worked with Bristol University and Bath Academy, an independent college and language school.

Rosie (A-level student): "I'm thrilled with the grade and just wanted to say thank you for all the help you gave me in order for me to get this. I really couldn't have done it without you."

Juliette (first year at university): "It's good news! I passed! I'm very happy to know I've passed and can continue into second year. Thanks very much for all your help."

Rachael (adult/ casual learner): "Thank you for my lesson today. I always feel very enthusiastic after I have seen you."

Rachael (adult learner): "A very big thank you from me for all your excellent lessons. Your relaxed teaching methods have suited me perfectly and I have really enjoyed my lessons. "

Lauren (Gcse student): " I was very happy with my German grade. Thank you very much again, as I would not have passed without your help."

Amanda (adult/ casual learner): " Simply thanks. I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks."

Marzena: "As parents we are really glad that you are Kajetan's teacher. Thank you sooo much."

Laura (adult/ casual learner): "Thank you so much for being so wonderful to us and for your excellent German tuition. We have both really enjoyed it."

Working as interpreter in an Englisch- German business meeting: "We were very satisfied with your services."

Tutoring Approach:
One to one tuition or group tuition for primary school aged children, one to one tuition for G.C.S.E., one to one tuition for A-level and university level. I also offer tuition for adult learners covering a wide range of subjects from business German to casual traveler , from first basics of German language to supporting more advanced learners achieving their accreditation. Lessons are tailored to individual needs after a first meeting and adjusted continuously to the process of the learner. Depending on individual needs lessons consist of German grammar, spelling, vocabulary, conversation, listening and translation. As a native German I am able to offer a very broad range of subjects.
In primary group tuition I work with visuals and spoken word, listening, singing, reading, play and role play. According to the children's age it is based on learning through play unless otherwise requested. Please inquire for group rates.

I also have experience in homeschooling environments.

If more than 1 lesson per week is booked I offer discounts.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker of Italian with a degree in European Languages and extensive teaching experience. I have been based in Oxford for almost 20 years, after having lived in different European countries. I am an enthusiast linguist and my multilingual family is testimonial to that (a French husband, and trilingual children).

Teaching Experience:
I have gained experience in teaching to both adults and younger students (secondary school and degree level), both in formal context (university degree courses and schools) and less formal (evening and leisure courses) as well as Italian for business (directly to companies for their employees).

Tutoring Approach:
I privilege the communicative approach as after all languages are made to communicate! This allows all lessons to be more relaxed and rewarding as small results can be achieved - and seen - every time. I have run absolute beginners intensive courses and my aim is to allow the student(s) to go home speaking from the first time, however little it might be. At the same time, I also tend not to forget about grammar as it is the structure of the language and gives a better insight and understanding, but even grammar doesn't necessarily need to be taught in a very conservative manner.

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Personal Description:
Highly experienced working teacher/examiner ,100% grades A*-C for GCE and grades 4-9 for GCSE, with 80% of tutees consistently reaching the upper bands. All levels catered for. DBS checked.

As I am qualified and experienced to teach four subjects: English literature and language, Drama/Theatre Studies, French and German, up to and including A level, I am in a position to offer students on alternate weeks tutoring in two or three subjects if required.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary and university level for over 25 years, my secondary school experience ranges from state schools to prestigious independent. I am an Edexcel GCE examiner and hold upper threshold status. Despite being a trained secondary teacher, I have in recent years had great success preparing students for 11 and 13 plus English exams, one such student won the English scholarship to attend Harrow public school.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are created to meet the exact requirements of the examining board the student is following and or their precise learning needs. Students with special needs and or English not as a first language, can also be catered for. Homework is given and is expected to be completed. I teach week day evenings and Saturday mornings via Zoom or in person.

In the first instance parents should email me to arrange a time to discuss how I can help their child. Testimonials, qualifications, DBS and proof of upper threshold status are available on request.

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Personal Description:
I`m a German, English and Educational Studies undergraduate from the University of Trier in Germany. I`m a native German, but have been living in the UK for over 15 years now.
I`m a self-employed Tutor and Translator and also work as a Proofreader.
I teach German at GCSE and University level as well as German for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
I also teach English at SATs and GCSE level as well as English as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
I`ve been a self-employed Private Tutor for over 12 years now, however have been tutoring since I was 15 years old.
I have studied English, German and Educational Studies at University in Germany and I have always tutored alongside my studies (also while I was at school) and I have undergone internships/ work experiences in different types of schools in Germany.
In the past 6 years I have accompanied a great number of students to a successful graduation (most of them have achieved As and A*s in their GCSEs and A-levels).

Tutoring Approach:
I can adjust very well to my students and cater for individual needs. I plan lessons according to the student's needs and don't follow a particular pattern.
I am always up to date with the school curriculum as I keep in touch with teachers and schools.
I am always very well prepared and I am very flexible concerning time, date and rearrangements.
I've got a very easy-going way of teaching and can adjust myself to any age groups and personal need.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker. I have a BA (Honours) degree in French, German and English Linguistics and a Cert HE in Teaching and Learning Support. I can teach French up to KS3 and German up to A Level/Adult. I also offer English language lessons for speakers of other languages. I enjoy Yoga, being creative, listening to live music and travelling.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a German language assistant for 8 years, preparing pupils for their GCSE and A Level exams. I ran speaking practice sessions, grammar workshops and supported learning in class. I have extensive experience working in Education, including SEN.
I have been a freelance private tutor since 2013

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE & F2F lessons available!

Due to the current COVID situation, I encourage online lessons via Skype (or other online platforms on request).

My approach to tutoring is student-centred.

Depending on the age and requirements of the student, I can adapt my teaching approach to the individual's needs. I am happy to teach groups of up to 5 students. It would work out less expensive!

Primary level would be teaching through songs and games in a fun way. Lessons usually last 30 mins, which will cost £20 per pupil for a one-to-one session. I am happy to teach a small group of pupils and the cost can be shared between them to make the lessons less expensive (£10 per pupil for 4 pupils in one session).

GCSE and A Level would be focusing on exam preparation and speaking practice, supporting the student to become more confident. I would base my teaching on supporting the subject teacher.

Adult teaching would be tailored to the individual's needs. Some students just want to improve their speaking, therefore I would tailor the lessons to accommodate their need. Some may just want to learn some basic phrases for a holiday in Germany, I would plan lessons based on that need.

I can also run grammar, conversation and writing workshops in German.

I now offer English (as a foreign language).

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher and have been working as a secondary school teacher since September 2016.

I am passionate about languages and about language teaching in particular and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with vast experience in the education system and in the teaching of modern foreign languages. I have also had significant tutoring experience with GCSE and A-Level pupils as well as teaching English to younger pupils in both France and Italy.

Teaching Experience:
I have had experience of language teaching at a secondary school as a fully qualified teacher for the past seven academic years as well as having previous experience teaching English abroad in both France and Italy. I have vast experience teaching KS3, KS4 and KS5 students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic and have a wealth of experience in languages teaching as well as excellent knowledge of the current GCSE and A-level courses. Furthermore, I have strong links with the University of Hull, having worked as a languages ambassador and thus retain my strong links with the university and its languages students and staff in particular.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced educationalist with a wholistic approach and a wide range of work experience before training as a teacher.

Prior to becoming a qualified teacher my professional experience includes IT, social work, property maintenance, music, photography and education & employment while my studies at undergraduate included nine subjects. I therefore draw upon a wide range of experience, knowledge and practice and believe that personal development is one of the most important and fulfilling things we can engage with in life.

In addition to various qualifications I have gained, I self study and pursue a wide range of activities and interests which gives me an ever increasing palette to draw upon when tutoring / mentoring.

Teaching Experience:
I gained my PGCE in Secondary Education (Maths) and worked in Adult Education and Family Learning for many years whereby I delivered accredited courses in Mathematics (up to GCSE level) and non-accredited courses in English and IT. In utilising my experience of working with mental health I set up and ran the only Maths for Mental Health group in Sussex which, although successful, unfortunately was terminated due to lack of funding along with my Family Learning teaching practice.

I left the Adult Education sector when I was head hunted by a family to deliver a private Home Learning curriculum and now work solely as a private tutor; supporting students in the Maths school curriculum and delivering a range of subjects (Maths, English, German, History, Photography, Chess etc.) to students who are home schooled. I also undertake private adult learning where there is a demand, additionally designing and undertaking bespoke plans for specific skills development such as report writing for business and fundamental Maths & Physics for basic Aircraft Engineering courses.

During the time of working in the Education & Employment sector I was responsible for skills development of various special needs groups so I have a solid understanding of and experience in a wide variety of educational needs. This experience also laid the foundation for a fixed term contract at a college for SEND students where I delivered a Maths curriculum to groups of SEND young adults within the QCF accredited curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
As a professional educator I am committed to lifelong learning myself and, while I see the benefits and necessity of having learning goals to work towards, I believe that the most important role of a tutor is to develop a healthy and respectful relationship with a student, so that learning and achievement can flow from a sense of natural enquiry into a subject in a way which engages them in life. My experience suggests that, for most students, this approach helps them achieve greater confidence, awareness and motivation to excel in their learning and understanding of the subject.

My overall experience of working with a wide range of people in diverse professional fields and having studied a multi-disciplinary undergraduate degree as well as Maths also allows me to link learning across a range of subjects and life situations. In itself, this gives me a significant platform to develop a learner's ability to grasp a 'bigger picture' and to see self development as intrinsically valuable beyond the subject or topics being worked on.

I believe that we can never truly know our potential and I approach each student with a sense of curiosity and encouragement to explore that potential through appropriate cognitive skills development, so as to build positive channels of learning while identifying and addressing any specific difficulties.

When working with students I usually discuss learning and content with them but, when tutoring young people, I also encourage regular contact with the parent / carer - after all, a parent / carer is the first teacher in a young person's life and very much part of the young person's view of the world and educational growth.

PLEASE NOTE: relevant charges and introductory sessions

(i) sessions based more than 3 miles radius from my location will incur a travel charge based on a reasonable mileage cost if I am required to travel to the tutee.

(ii) on acceptance of each other via this site, there is an immediate introduction fee to be made to the site. This can be accommodated by a single session at my usual rates where you and your son / daughter can meet me and I you.

(iii) I would ask that sessions are subsequently booked in blocks of 6 and paid for in advance. Thank you.

BRAIN TEASER: if you were to spell out the counting numbers from "one" on wards, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter 'A' in the number (this doesn't include the conjunction "and")?

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Personal Description:
I am a French native speaker with extensive experience as a French tutor. I am currently working as a researcher at the university of York investigating how to improve second language teaching methods. I have always loved helping people learning French as I am myself a passionate language learner. I can also help with German since I have been learning it for more than 10 years.
Given that I love learning languages myself, I am highly aware of the difficulties one can face in this journey. Moreover, I have a strong background in grammatical knowledge because I studied linguistics and literature in the past (and latin!).
Finally, I am a very friendly, enthusiastic and engaged tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I have a long experience in tutoring with students of various ages and various learning goals.
Below is a list of the positions I have had:
-French trainer, Educom GmBH, Vienna, Austria: I prepared and conducted weekly French lessons for a group of adults at beginner level (2 months).
-French tutor, Lernkurve institute, Vienna, Austria: I tutored various pupils in French (aged from 12 to 18-year old).
-private French tutor in Vienna, Austria and in the UK: I helped an 11 year old boy, a 13 year old girl and a 16 year old girl with their French homework once a week and helped them getting ready for exams during two years. I started to teach French from zero to two younger girls (6 and 8 years old). Finally, I designed personalised French lessons during 8 months for an adult student who wanted to start learning French.
-French conversation: I regularly met an adult student (advanced level) to have conversations in French.
-French corrections: I have helped university students of French writing essays in French.

Tutoring Approach:
I like keeping French tutoring sessions as interactive as possible. That is really the only way of learning languages!
Depending on the students' language level and desires, I can teach French from scratch, help with homework, have conversations or prepare intense exam revision sessions if the student tells me in advance what he/she has problems with.

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Personal Description:
I am a German native speaker with a First Class degree in English Language and a PGCE in German and Russian. I have experience in tutoring all levels up to Higher/ A-level.

Teaching Experience:
I initially worked in secondary schools, however, over the years I have also taught German to pre-schoolers, run German clubs in primary schools and have helped to prepare students for their exams, as well as teaching conversational German.

Tutoring Approach:
I choose appropriate methods to suit my students' needs, so the focus could be on exam preparation one day and building conversational confidence on another. I enjoy teaching my language and love teaching young children as much as preparing more academic students for their exams.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is George and I am a PhD student settled in Durham during term-time. I am passionate about teaching children and grown-ups of all ages in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for the students by incorporating their hobbies and interests in their education. I have been a private tutor for a year, but I have always been eager to help people whenever in need. I have been tutoring mainly in English grammar and foreign languages such as German and Russian, but I am also interested in teaching subjects such as history, sociology, critical theory, and humanities in general. I have taken education related modules during my BA, and I also possess a Developing Your Potential certificate for education after completing a series of online courses.
In case you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to teach online, especially in the given circumstances, but if this were not the case, I would be happy to drive up to 30 miles from Durham during term-time. I am available any time of the day, including weekends, unless specified otherwise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a personal tutor for English grammar, German, and Russian for two years now. I have been teaching my students regularly once a week, and I have received positive feedback for my teaching methods, as well as my approach when helping to improve my students' language levels.
I possess a "Developing Your Potential" certificate, which I acquired after attending online courses that related to teaching. The courses included lessons on the British curriculum, as well as advice and skills on how to approach with children with disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. These courses have helped be gain an understanding and insight in the ways I should approach students with special needs, and I see it as a very important skill as a person who supports the right for equal opportunities in education.
I also taught in classroom environments while taking modules in education during my Eramus+ exchange studies in Sweden. This has helped me gain experience working with pupils in primary schools, which also helped me familiarise myself working with more than one student as well.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually teach a student once per week, but if it is necessary, I am willing to top it up by teaching the same student twice a week even. I also offer the first lesson at half price as a an introductory lesson.
My lessons usually last an hour, but I am also happy to top it up to two hours, with a 5-10 minute break, upon request.
Any cancellations or changing of schedules should be noted within 24 hours at least.
I am also more than happy to teach more than one student at the same time within a "classroom style setting" online, given that the students are doing the same subject at a more or less equal level.
I am available every day, including weekends, and I am flexible with time as well.
At the end of every lesson, I will always give homework to students and expect them to do it until our next lesson. I am however tolerant in unforeseen circumstances, or if any other personal issue arises.
At the beginning of every lesson and after checking the homework, I shall ask short questions related to previous lessons. Thus, I expect students to learn and take notes from every I teach on their own initiative, although I will remind this every now and then.
As a tutor, I am also aware that time is very valuable for every lesson. This is why I ensure that no lesson will be wasted by teaching topics already known by the student.
Finally, I also like to make my lessons fun and entertaining, as I have always found this the best way to learn. This is why I will offer the students the freedom to choose which topics to discuss that would fit with their interests or hobbies, as well as offering them tasks that would make learning more entertaining as well as educational.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I've been working in Education for 16 years as a teacher, tutor, and Educational Psychologist. I started as a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages and I particularly enjoy learning about other cultures - I believe this brings language to life. I have spent time living in Germany and France and continue to have friendships with native speakers to keep up my language skills. I then trained, and now practice, as an Educational Psychologist. Through my experiences I have become highly skilled working with people with a wide range of needs in a learning environment. I also have an excellent understanding of how the process of learning "works" and how to use this knowledge practically to support your learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught French and German in mainstream secondary schools where I prepared students for GCSE, AS and A2-Level exams in both subjects (AQA board). Between 96% and 100% of students achieved a grade C/4. I also have experience teaching children with a wide range of additional needs. I taught in specialist schools for children with moderate, severe, and profound learning difficulties (a range of subjects in Key Stages 1 to 5) and specialist settings for children with social and emotional difficulties (a range of subjects in Key Stages 2 and 4). I have previously tutored French and German to children as young as 5, through to adult learners. This was delivered in a 1:1 or 2:1 setting.

Tutoring Approach:
When I tutor my priority is to make sure that you enjoy learning and grow in confidence in the subject. I would describe myself as patient, a clear communicator, and personable. All programmes of learning are personalised to your learning needs as well as the specific things you may want to achieve from tuition. I aim to make my lessons as creative and fun as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Luisa. I'm a 20-year-old medical student who speaks English, German, Hungarian, and French. Subjects such as business and economics interest me outside of Medicine, and I'm based in Scotland. As a native German, Hungarian, and English speaker (having learned all three at the same time while growing up), I offer a natural teaching approach that matches the way one would learn as a native speaker.

Teaching Experience:
Thus far I have only tutored in German, but I have assisted others informally in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and getting into Medicine.
[As a Medical student my CRB check has also been done.]

Tutoring Approach:
I love past papers! These for me were key when I was revising for my Highers, Advanced Highers, and even for the Medical School entrance exams such as the BMAT, UCAT, and TMS (Germany). I believe they offer key information on what exactly it is you need to know, and to what standard/ depth one must answer questions. At the beginning I like to get a feel for what level of knowledge students have, and together we set goals for what we wish to achieve (e.g. time remaining until the exam, what grade they wish to achieve, if there is any particular section they are struggling with, etc..). Preferably, I like to communicate with my students before the lesson, so we can decide what learning outcomes to focus on during our session, so we can both prepare beforehand.

Subjects